CD Reviews

The Tenor Rules

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 07/23/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This cd features two quartets. Both feature Henderson on Tenor and Ron Carter (Bass), but the pianst and drummer change - Don Friedman and Jack De Johnette on tracks 1-3,5 and Kenny Barron and Louis Hayes on 4,6,7.
There are great moments on this CD, and the tenor sounds great throughout. Henderson has proven himself to be a tenor giant, up there with Rollins, Gordon, Coltrane... His sound is big, his articulation - makes you think this is the way a tenor should sound.
Of special interest is "The Bead Game" - a completely spontaneous, uncomposed piece that displays the inner discipline of Henderson and the others.
The CD was recorded in 1967-68, but anticipates the 1990's. It is neo-bop with swing, bebop, post-bop and free jazz all coming together.
The rhythem sections do not attempt to steal the show from the leader and provide great support. The quartet with Hayes and Barron play different then Friedman and De Johnette - they sound closer to the mainstream, closer to the blues.
Overall this is a good cd with many interesting moments - especially for tenor buffs."

Invitation

11/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Joe Henderson's version of Bronislaw Kaper's Invitation is my favorite. I rate Henderson's above the versions by Art Blakey and John Coltrane. Just the right beat with a beautiful piano intro by Don Friedman. Ron Carter's bass lines are superior. Henderson's technique cannot be imitated or duplicated. Deep tones almost haunting at times. A true musical genuis missed by the world. All praises to Joe Henderson!"